Come Out With Pride 2009 marketing director Mikael Frank Audebert extended an invitation to Joseph Rocha, a Navy veteran who was recently featured in the news for his 2-year long hazing and abuse by fellow officers. He will be in attendance on Friday October 9, 2009 at the official pride event Armed & Ready being held at TASTINGS downtown Orlando. Armed & Ready pays tribute to heroes, especially Gay veterans, in the Military. The event will be entertaining all while bringing awareness to the outdated and unjust "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policies of the U.S. government.
Joseph will then fly to Washington DC for the National Equality March and to promote the repeal of " Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policies.
Joseph's attendance is made possible thanks to the generosity of RE/MAX Town Center and Charlie Orden.
More information on Pride weekend official events: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org
Excerpt from an AP bulletin:
Joseph Rocha, now 23, decided to leave the Navy in 2007 by telling his commander he was gay, in violation of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the constant hazing while he served with military dog handlers based in Bahrain to support the Iraq war.
An internal Navy investigation into his unit found dozens of examples of hazing and sexual harassment against multiple sailors between 2005 and 2006. The result of the investigation was not clear; a copy of the report released under the Freedom of Information Act has all recommendations blacked out.
Joseph Rocha, now 23, decided to leave the Navy in 2007 by telling his commander he was gay, in violation of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the constant hazing while he served with military dog handlers based in Bahrain to support the Iraq war.
An internal Navy investigation into his unit found dozens of examples of hazing and sexual harassment against multiple sailors between 2005 and 2006. The result of the investigation was not clear; a copy of the report released under the Freedom of Information Act has all recommendations blacked out...
...Rocha said he enlisted in the Navy in 2004 to demonstrate his commitment to earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy after he wasn’t admitted to the school.
In June 2007, he was accepted at the academy prep school in Newport, R.I., where candidates can build the academic skills they need to be accepted to the four-year academy. While there, Rocha said depression resulting from his experience in Bahrain made him decide to tell school officials he was gay. He was isolated from other students for two months, then honorably discharged in October 2007.
"I was faced with the idea of being in a navy that condoned this for another decade," Rocha said. "I wouldn’t have allowed myself to live like that anymore."
A letter from Rocha’s doctor at the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Francisco confirms that he has been diagnosed with PTSD.
Rocha, now a student at the University of San Diego, hopes he can one day return to serve openly in the military as a Marine Corps officer.
"I’m just waiting for the policy to be repealed," Rocha said.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Letter from Congressman Alan Grayson to Come Out With Pride
Orlando's Come Out With Pride & our local LGBT community are extremely honored to have the full support of their U.S. Congressman. See letter below.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
XL106.7 to broadcast Come Out With Pride LIVE!
Mikael Audebert, Marketing co-director of Come Out With Pride 2009, announced today that he had sealed a deal with local Clear Channel radio XL 106.7 to broadcast LIVE the main event of the annual Orlando Gay Pride taking place on Sunday October 11, 2009.
In an agreement with XL 106.7 Program Director Michael Bryan, Come Out With pride is to name XL106.7 official Media Sponsor in return for a 3 to 6pm live broadcast of the parade on Sunday October 11. XL 106.7 will also make a series of Public Service Announcement over the next weeks leading to the Big Day!
Come Out With Pride will also make the broadcast available LIVE on its website at www.comeoutwithpride.org.
XL106.7 has been working at including more programs aimed at the LGBT community over the past few years and Clear Channel, through its affiliate Real Radio 104.1 has always been supportive of the cause. XL 106.7 has recently launched its CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am, a program widely listened by the LGBT community of Central Florida.
The 2009 Come Out With Pride committee wishes to thank the participation of Clear Channel Radio in its annual pride event. This will be the very first LIVE broadcast for the event and we hope to be able to reach an audience unable to attend the main parade and entertainment that day.
Listen to XL 106.7 on Sunday October 11, 2009 from 3 to 6pm and don't miss the chance to win a SUPER NOVA PASS (access to all official Come Out With Pride events) by listening to CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am between now and October 10.
In an agreement with XL 106.7 Program Director Michael Bryan, Come Out With pride is to name XL106.7 official Media Sponsor in return for a 3 to 6pm live broadcast of the parade on Sunday October 11. XL 106.7 will also make a series of Public Service Announcement over the next weeks leading to the Big Day!
Come Out With Pride will also make the broadcast available LIVE on its website at www.comeoutwithpride.org.
XL106.7 has been working at including more programs aimed at the LGBT community over the past few years and Clear Channel, through its affiliate Real Radio 104.1 has always been supportive of the cause. XL 106.7 has recently launched its CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am, a program widely listened by the LGBT community of Central Florida.
The 2009 Come Out With Pride committee wishes to thank the participation of Clear Channel Radio in its annual pride event. This will be the very first LIVE broadcast for the event and we hope to be able to reach an audience unable to attend the main parade and entertainment that day.
Listen to XL 106.7 on Sunday October 11, 2009 from 3 to 6pm and don't miss the chance to win a SUPER NOVA PASS (access to all official Come Out With Pride events) by listening to CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am between now and October 10.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Harvey Milk to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
From the White House:
President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients
16 Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honor, including HARVEY MILK.
WASHINGTON – President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.
President Obama said, "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.
"Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom."
President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.
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Come Out With Pride Orlando (www.comeoutwithpride.org) is proud to be featuring Harvey's nephew & activist STUART MILK as Parade Grand Marshall during its event to take place October 11, 2009.
We will post a video of Stuart receiving the medal on behalf of Harvey when available.
Stay Tuned....
Mikael F. Audebert
Marketing Director for COWP
Monday, June 15, 2009
Isn't technology beautiful or what? But I have to say, as the "web" guy behind MBA and Come Out With Pride websites, I am getting a little lost with all those updates and social networking websites.
As other cities are already celebrating their pride events, at Come Out With Pride Orlando, we are tweaking ours. With a head start this year I must say as we are pretty much 60 days ahead of schedule compared to last year. Led by the wonderful Dr. Dave, our committee is doing a fantastic job in a very difficult year at securing sponsors and amazing entertainment for your enjoyment. Remember that all of our commitee and board members are volunteers and are doing a tremendous job at making time for this extraordinary annual celebration. We all enjoy what we are doing and you presence and support make it even more rewarding. Gay or straight, come and support Come Out With Pride Orlando October 8 to 11, 2009.
Great sponsors have already signed up: BANK OF AMERICA, ESURANCE, WATERMARK MAGAZINE, GECKO CPA, SHELBIE PRESS, GAYDAYS.COM, JOHN MICHAEL EVENTS, CITY COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN and many more about to do the same thanks to sponsorship directors Sue-Bee Laginess and Dave Evans.
So, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, you can now follow us on both Twitter (http://twitter.com/orlandopride09) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-Pride/19186919758). Make sure to either become a fan or a follower so we may keep you updated as often as possible on events, entertainment line up, travel packages and all parties happening during our pride weekend.
Also visit our website on a regular basis: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org
Happy Pride
As other cities are already celebrating their pride events, at Come Out With Pride Orlando, we are tweaking ours. With a head start this year I must say as we are pretty much 60 days ahead of schedule compared to last year. Led by the wonderful Dr. Dave, our committee is doing a fantastic job in a very difficult year at securing sponsors and amazing entertainment for your enjoyment. Remember that all of our commitee and board members are volunteers and are doing a tremendous job at making time for this extraordinary annual celebration. We all enjoy what we are doing and you presence and support make it even more rewarding. Gay or straight, come and support Come Out With Pride Orlando October 8 to 11, 2009.
Great sponsors have already signed up: BANK OF AMERICA, ESURANCE, WATERMARK MAGAZINE, GECKO CPA, SHELBIE PRESS, GAYDAYS.COM, JOHN MICHAEL EVENTS, CITY COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN and many more about to do the same thanks to sponsorship directors Sue-Bee Laginess and Dave Evans.
So, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, you can now follow us on both Twitter (http://twitter.com/orlandopride09) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-Pride/19186919758). Make sure to either become a fan or a follower so we may keep you updated as often as possible on events, entertainment line up, travel packages and all parties happening during our pride weekend.
Also visit our website on a regular basis: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org
Happy Pride
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Co-Marketing Director for Come Out With Pride Orlando, Mikael Audebert announced today the website was up and running for ticket sales: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org
This year's pride will include Stuart Milk as Grand Marshall and Ari Gold as Entertainment Headliner.
Tickets available online include the Rock Star Passes (Kick-Off event + VIP Experience) and the kick-off party. More tickets will be made by June 30 to include peripheral and officially sanctionned parties as well as travel packages to Orlando.
Mr. Audebert reminded everyone the importance to come in numbers to support the event which hit a record 45,000 attendees in 2008. Come Out With Pride is the largest fundraiser event for MBA (the Orlando Gay Chamber of Commerce) which is solely ran by volunteers and gives back to the community through the form of monthly grants (http://mbaorlando.org/pages/come-out-with-pride/outreach.php).
Mr. Audebert added "This year, Come Out With Pride is adding parties and events to create a long 3 day weekend and is focusing its marketing efforts on bringing residents from other parts of the Florida and other States so they may experience a different pride celebration all while enjoying our wonderful October weather".
Come Out With Pride 2009 will take place in Orlando, Florida October 8-11, 2009. Visit www.comeoutwithpride.org for more information and stay updated by joining the mailing list. COWP 2009 may also be found on Twitter and Facebook. Simply follow the links on the top right corner of the website.
See you in numbers..
Come Out With Pride
NEWS & MEDIA information desk
This year's pride will include Stuart Milk as Grand Marshall and Ari Gold as Entertainment Headliner.
Tickets available online include the Rock Star Passes (Kick-Off event + VIP Experience) and the kick-off party. More tickets will be made by June 30 to include peripheral and officially sanctionned parties as well as travel packages to Orlando.
Mr. Audebert reminded everyone the importance to come in numbers to support the event which hit a record 45,000 attendees in 2008. Come Out With Pride is the largest fundraiser event for MBA (the Orlando Gay Chamber of Commerce) which is solely ran by volunteers and gives back to the community through the form of monthly grants (http://mbaorlando.org/pages/come-out-with-pride/outreach.php).
Mr. Audebert added "This year, Come Out With Pride is adding parties and events to create a long 3 day weekend and is focusing its marketing efforts on bringing residents from other parts of the Florida and other States so they may experience a different pride celebration all while enjoying our wonderful October weather".
Come Out With Pride 2009 will take place in Orlando, Florida October 8-11, 2009. Visit www.comeoutwithpride.org for more information and stay updated by joining the mailing list. COWP 2009 may also be found on Twitter and Facebook. Simply follow the links on the top right corner of the website.
See you in numbers..
Come Out With Pride
NEWS & MEDIA information desk
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Orlando Pride 2009 announced!
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Pruitt
Come Out With Pride
Marketing Co- Director
marketing@mbaorlando.org
Orlando Pride 2009 to celebrate Heroes
Orlando, May 10, 2009 - In line with the 2009 theme for Come Out With Pride, organizers are pleased to announce Stuart Milk, nephew of legendary Harvey Milk, will be leading the annual parade as Grand Marshall. “The theme for this year's event is Heroes. The event will honor the LGBT community's unflinching, steadfast determination to achieve full equality for all citizens through celebration of our heroes, our victories, and ourselves,” MBA president Dr. David Baker-Hargrove said in a statement. Strong in its commitment to diversity and unity, the Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando (the area’s LGBT non-profit chamber of commerce) also announced its entertainment line-up will feature national recording artist and out musician Ari Gold, whose songs, "Where the Music Takes You" and "Human" have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Dance Charts.
“Since its inception in 2005, Come Out With Pride, Central Florida's signature Pride event, gets bigger and better with each passing year, continually shattering attendance records and offering exceptional entertainment, food, music, and fun!” added Dr. Dave. With a record attendance of 45,000+ in 2008, for the third year in a row, Come Out With Pride festivities will be held at Lake Eola, in the heart of the city beautiful, on October 11, 2009.
In spite of a difficult recession, the organizers have promised to maintain its core celebrations to include a kick-off party on October 8 (with details to be announced in the coming weeks) and an attendance to beat all records, showing the LGBT community’s determination to convey a positive outlook on the future.
In addition to serving as Central Florida’s largest LGBT Pride parade and festival, Come Out With Pride also celebrates National Coming Out Day (October 11) and the month of October as Gay & Lesbian History Month. One of the unique features of the event is a month-long history exhibit tracing the beginnings and milestones of the Central Florida LGBT community. A smaller version of the exhibit will also be shown at the main event on Sunday, October 11, 2009.
Entry forms, information, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship packages and passes for all premium functions are available on the website now and in the coming weeks at www.comeoutwithpride.com. Come Out With Pride is one of the many benefits to Central Florida provided by the Metropolitan Business Association in cooperation with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union of the University of Central Florida.
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